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Miami Seaquarium receives eviction notice months after Tokitae’s death

Miami Seaquarium receives eviction notice months after Tokitae’s death

AP Photo/Marta Lavandier Photo: Saga Communications


MIAMI, FL (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Miami Seaquarium, home of the late orca Tokitae, is being evicted nearly 70 years after it first opened.

The Mayor of Miami-Dade County cited a “long and troubling history of violations” in a lease termination notice sent Thursday. The notice included concerns over violations like decaying animal habitats and a lack of veterinary staff.

The Dolphin Company, which owns the Seaquarium, was told to vacate the property by April 21. The action follows a series of federal inspections that found multiple problems at the Seaquarium, including unsafe and structurally deficient buildings.

The late Southern Resident orca Tokitae was held in captivity at the Seaquarium ever since her capture off Whidbey Island more than 50 years ago. She died unexpectedly last August as plans were being made for her live return home.

The Seaquarium could still fight the eviction, though a judge would need to rule that the park is in compliance with its lease.

The Dolphin Company has yet to comment on the eviction notice.

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